Congress Approves Pieces of American Jobs Act

This week pieces of President Obama’s American Jobs Act supporting veterans and government contractors won approval from both chambers of Congress. The provisions passed would repeal a tax on government contractors, boost job training for veterans and offer tax credits to companies that hire unemployed veterans.

On Thursday, November 10, 2011, the Senate passed a bill that would repeal a 3% withholding tax on federal contractors that was signed into law in 2005 but has been yet to be enacted. Prior to the passage of this provision, if enacted, government agencies would have been required to withhold 3% of all payments to federal contractors and send the funds directly to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

The Senate also approved a measure that would provide businesses tax credits of up to $5,600 for hiring veterans who have been looking for a job for more than six months, as well as a $2,400 credit for veterans who are unemployed for more than 4 weeks, but less than 6 months. It also offers tax credits of up to $9,600 for hiring veterans with service-connected disabilities who have been looking for a job for more than six months.

The House unanimously passed both measures on Wednesday, November 17, 2011, and President Obama has indicated he will sign them into law.